Sanford House brings high-end comfort to new Cherry Street women's only treatment center

A new women's only substance abuse facility, Sanford House, will open its doors next week with a pillar lighting ceremony at the site of the newly restored Cherry Hill Historic District home at 540 Cherry Street. 

The private, "boutique-style" treatment center will offer both residential and outpatient treatment options that co-founder Rae Lynn Green says are tailored specifically to the unique needs of women suffering from drug or alcohol addictions. 

"What research has told us is that women heal much better in a comfortable, welcoming environment," says Green, adding that research also shows that women heal much better in a gender-specific environment. "We find that a comfortable setting that helps rebuild confidence and self-esteem is really the key to helping women get on the path to healthy recovery. Equally as important would be the emotional healing that begins to happen at that time." 

At nearly 5,000 square feet, the building can accommodate 10 women for its on-site resident treatment program and has an intensive outpatient program in its carriage house with the capacity to host as many as 20 women at one time, if needed. 

Green says every surface of the new Sanford House has been "restored and retouched" to bring back its "original grandeur from the late 1800s," including a brand new chef's kitchen, five newly redecorated bedrooms and four spa-style bathrooms. The wallpaper in the entryway, called "zuber wallpaper," can also be found in the White House, left over from former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. 

"While we say 10 beds, we offer much, much more than just the beds alone," she says. "We offer the entire environment. We have a private chef, so that the nutritional needs of women are not only met, but so that we begin to help women understand what their bodies need in order to heal both physical and emotionally."

Green says Sanford House practices traditional evidence-based treatment methods supplemented by additional holistic healing practices like exercise, nutrition, yoga and acupuncture, which advocate a full-body transformation.  

Sanford House created 10 new, full-time clinical jobs for its new residential treatment program. All positions represent extensive background training in treating addiction, and many staff members hold a master's degree in therapy or social work, as well as Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) credentials from the state of Michigan.

However, as the intensive outpatient program at Sanford House grows, Green says they are likely to create additional clinical positions to meet demand. 

"During this time we can host up to 20 women (in the outpatient program space) if we have several groups going at one time," she says. "If that begins to get robust, we'll be able to hire some more clinicians on staff." 

To learn more about Sanford House or keep an eye out for any job openings, visit www.sanfordhousegr.com. 

Written by Anya Zentmeyer
Images courtesy of Sarah Cavanaugh/Richett Media